John Kabateck was named executive director of NFIB/California in May 2007.

Prior to joining NFIB, Kabateck served as Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's director of external affairs, managing more than 25 statewide staff in five regional offices. His central duty was to bring California's multitude of diverse stakeholders to the decision-making table of the state's chief executive. Prior to that job, Kabateck spent four years with the California Restaurant Association, first as its vice president for recruitment and placement and later as its senior legislative director.

Kabateck started his Sacramento experience in 1991 as a special assistant to the secretary of the Business, Transportation and Housing Agency. He later moved to the Office of Gov. Pete Wilson, where from 1993 to 1999 he served as executive writer and chief deputy appointments secretary. Kabateck left state service for a brief stint with Edelman Public Relations Worldwide, before returning to serve as chief of staff to former Assemblywoman Charlene Zettel.

A native Californian, Kabateck was born in Hollywood and raised in Glendale. He is a graduate of the University of Southern California with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. Kabateck and his wife, Maggie, make their home in Sacramento with their two children, Lily and Simon. He serves his community as a founding director of the Feed the Hungry Program at his church and as a volunteer pianist at the Shriners Hospital in Sacramento. Kabateck enjoys playing racquetball and the jazz piano.